Consumer Guide Automotive's singular focus is to make car shopping easier. We do that by offering comprehensive reviews of over 1000 new and used vehicles, detailed pricing, safety information, and expert buying advice. Still, scanning through hundreds of reviews, sorting out option packages, and haggling for the best price is a daunting task for even the most diligent buyer.

That's why our vehicle class buying guides will give you a concentrated dose of car shopping advice specific to whatever vehicle class you're shopping for.

Each guide tackles a different vehicle class, explains the pros and cons of owning a vehicle in this particular class, points out features to look for, and suggests things to avoid. The "Consumer Guide to" guides make it easy for the shopper who knows what type of car they want and needs help selecting two or three they want to test drive.

In addition, the "Consumer Guide to" series helps a buyer focus on the type of vehicle that's right for their needs. Many consumers cross-shop between classes, and our class buying guides help consumers remain focused on the right vehicles.

Alternative Fuel Vehicles

Hybrid Vehicles The Consumer Guide to 2008 Hybrid Vehicles breaks down the 15 gas-electric hybrid vehicle choices on sale this year.

E85 Flex-Fuel Vehicles New-car buyers can select from among 24 models that can run on E85. Choices include cars, minivans, SUVs, and pickup trucks.

The Consumer Guide to Cars

Subcompact Cars Subcompact cars have enjoyed a popularity surge over the past two years, thanks in part to steep fuel prices and heightening environmental concerns. These vehicles are some of the most fuel-efficient and affordable cars on the market.

Compact Cars Compact cars make sense for many people because they offer so much for so little. Our buying guide will help you navigate through this crowded class.

Premium Compact Cars The premium compact car segment is one of the hottest, most competitive classes.

Midsize Cars Americans buy about 16.5 million new vehicles per year, and midsize cars account for about 2.5 million of those. For a blend of passenger and cargo space, affordability, fuel economy, and variety, no other single vehicle comes close to matching the midsize car.

Premium Midsize Cars These upscale machines come replete with posh leather-appointed interiors, heated seats, superb stereo systems, and lots of technological gadgetry.

Large Cars As a class, this seemingly traditional gathering of sedans appears misleadingly dull. With available all-wheel drive, V8 engines with over 400 horsepower, and a sporty wagon, this segment is as compelling as it has ever been.

Premium Large Cars If you're lucky enough to afford one of these cars, you'll be treated to a powerful, luxurious, and comfortable vehicle. Here's an overview of the 2008 premium large car lineup.

Sporty/Performance Cars Consumer Guide's sporty/performance car class probably contains the most diverse variety of vehicles: performance hatchbacks, drop tops, and muscular coupes.

Premium Sporty/Performance Cars The cars that Consumer Guide classifies as premium sporty/performance are at the top of the mountain when it comes to acceleration, handling response, and of course, price.

The Consumer Guide to SUVs

Compact SUVs Compact SUVs are an excellent choice for active owners who need flexible space for people and cargo in a manageable, condensed package.

Premium Compact SUVs For 2008, Consumer Guide added a new vehicle class, one that is small in numbers now, but is poised to explode during the next few years.

Midsize SUVs Consumer Guide classifies 32 vehicles as midsize SUVs. Our buying guide will help you find the right one.

Premium Midsize SUVs Consumer Guide classifies 17 different models as premium midsize SUVs. Use our buying guide to help you find the right one.

­Large SUVs Consumer Guide classifies six vehicles as large SUVs. Whatever model you choose, any large SUV is designed for maximum cargo and passenger versatility.

­­Premium Large SUVs Consumer Guide puts nine vehicles in this class. Regardless of brand, all players in this category have their own appeal for well-heeled shoppers who want and need more than what any coupe, sedan, or smaller SUV has to offer.

The Consumer Guide to Pickups

Compact Pickups In the market for a compact pickup truck? Consumer Guide classifies 11 vehicles as compact pickups. Use our buying guide to make the right choice.

Large Pickups The two top-selling vehicles in the nation are both full-size pickups: the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado. Are you in the market?

The Consumer Guide to Minivans

Minivans Though the minivan might seem like an endangered species, there are still a handful of model-year 2008 vans that haven't yet succumbed to extinction.

Click here for Consumer Guide's 2007 Vehicle Class Buying Guides.